Claritin vs. Xyzal
See how Claritin and Xyzal compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Claritin and Xyzal are over-the-counter antihistamines that treat seasonal and year-round allergies and chronic hives, but they differ in how likely they are to cause drowsiness.
Claritin is labeled non-sedating, while Xyzal's label specifically warns against driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
Xyzal comes in three dosing strengths for finer adjustment, while Claritin offers two doses and a simpler, longer-established OTC track record.
Claritin vs. Xyzal Drug Summary
Claritin
Claritin (loratadine) is a second-generation, non-sedating H1 antihistamine used to relieve seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms and chronic hives. It's taken once daily as a 10 mg tablet, chewable, dissolving tablet, or syrup, with a lower 5 mg dose available for mild cases or specific age groups.
Xyzal
Xyzal (levocetirizine) is an H1-antihistamine that treats seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and the skin symptoms of chronic hives. It's taken once daily, usually in the evening, as a 5 mg tablet or oral solution, with lower 1.25 mg and 2.5 mg doses used for children or reduced kidney function.
Claritin vs. Xyzal Side Effects
Claritin
Xyzal
Claritin vs. Xyzal Dosage
Claritin
Xyzal
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Claritin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Xyzal
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1.25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Claritin vs. Xyzal Indications
Claritin
Claritin is FDA-approved for temporary relief of sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by seasonal or year-round allergies. It's also approved to reduce itching and hives from chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is not approved for asthma or common cold symptoms.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes)
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives) and itching
Not approved for asthma or the common cold
Xyzal
Xyzal is FDA-approved to relieve symptoms of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis, including sneezing and nasal congestion. It also treats the uncomplicated skin symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria. It is not approved for infants under six months old.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms
Perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis
Uncomplicated skin symptoms of chronic hives
Not approved for infants under 6 months
Claritin vs. Xyzal Pros and Cons
Claritin
Claritin has a long track record as an OTC, non-sedating antihistamine with a simple two-dose lineup and no driving warning on its label. It's widely available in multiple forms, including chewables and syrup, making it easy to dose for both adults and children.
Pros
Labeled non-sedating with no warning against driving
Available in tablet, chewable, dissolving, and syrup forms
Simple two-strength dosing (5 mg or 10 mg)
Cons
Somnolence still reported in up to 8% of users
Fewer dosage strengths for fine-tuning than Xyzal
Less detailed renal-adjustment guidance on the label
Xyzal
Xyzal offers three dosing strengths, allowing more precise adjustment for children, older adults, or people with reduced kidney function. Its label includes explicit contraindications for severe kidney disease and dialysis patients, giving clearer guidance in those situations.
Pros
Three dosing strengths (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg) for tailored dosing
Clear contraindication guidance for severe kidney disease
Available as tablet or oral solution for flexible dosing
Cons
Label warns against driving or hazardous activities until effects are known
Typically higher cost, roughly $15 to $45 per month
Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to cetirizine as well as levocetirizine
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